Aboitiz InfraCapital, DICT sign MOU for telecommunications common tower

Aboitiz InfraCapital, the infrastructure business unit of the Aboitiz Group, is seeking to build, operate, and maintain a network of towers throughout the Philippines in a bid to improve the connectivity of the country’s cellular network. This will likewise pave for the expansion of the capabilities of both current and future telecommunications companies.

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Acting Secretary Eliseo M. Rio, Jr. and Aboitiz InfraCapital Chief Operating Officer Cosette V. Canilao signed last February 7 a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which recognized Aboitiz InfraCapital as a potential common tower provider.

“This MOU simply states DICT recognizes Aboitiz as capable, and that it has the financial capacity to invest in towers that it can lease to the telecommunication companies…we want to have better telecom services within our lifetime, and we are hoping to have 50,000 towers in seven to 10 years,” Secretary Rio said.

Secretary Rio noted the advantage of Aboitiz InfraCapital as one of the potential common tower providers. “All cell sites need power, so the others (common tower providers) will have to get it from outside their organization. Except for Aboitiz, they can get power using their sister company,” Sec. Rio said.

Aboitiz InfraCapital, through its sister company AboitizPower, can well provide the expertise to find efficient solutions for the power requirements of the cellular towers.

Part of Aboitiz InfraCapital’s responsibilities is to secure a binding contract with telco operators in the country. Once this is secured, a Memorandum of Agreement will then be discussed with DICT.

Canilao underscored the need to build a robust, modern, and efficient telecommunication infrastructure which is very crucial to the economic development of the Philippines. With the reputable and strong track record of the Aboitiz Group, it is offering its services to provide a solution to such pressing need.

“The Aboitiz group possesses extensive experience in building and operating utility networks, for example, through its distribution utilities Visayan Electric Co. Inc. (VECO) and Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. (DLPC). Moreover, the Aboitiz group has established a strong track record on the management and execution of complex projects,” Canilao said.

A strong nationwide presence, coupled with proven project development, execution, and asset management capabilities, will enable the Aboitiz group to implement its initiatives efficiently and maximize its full potential.

Among the other projects of Aboitiz InfraCapital include the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) expansion (Aboitiz InfraCapital is part of the NAIA Consortium) and the Bohol-Panglao International Airport operation & maintenance projects, both of which were granted Original Proponent Status. In addition, Aboitiz InfraCapital unit Apo Agua is currently constructing the country’s largest private bulk water supply facility in Davao City. It also has stakes in Lima Water Corporation and Balibago Waterworks Systems, Inc.